Plans for 850m long HS2 cutting near Kenilworth woods revealed
Detailed plans for an 850-metre-long cutting for the HS2 line between two Kenilworth woods have been revealed.
The high speed rail developer has revealed the designs for 'Roughknowles Wood Cutting' near Crackley Lane.
Plans - submitted to Warwick District Council for approval - show the cutting will have a maximum depth of 13.6 metres, and will have 'bunds' built up on either side of it.
The Crackley Lane Overbridge will carry the diverted road over the cutting. A separate application has been submitted for the bridge.
"Engineering earthworks are required to form a railway cutting, which will carry the HS2 Main Line between Broadwells Embankment (to be consented separately) to the north and Crackley Wood Embankment (to be consented separately) to the south," the application said.
"The proposed earthworks and profile of the cutting have been carefully considered in the design process to minimise the visual prominence and impacts of the proposal."
With the proposed cutting so close to the two woods, HS2 has revealed a number of "mitigation" measures.
The works will see trees planted along the route, as well as new hedgerows.
A 20 metre 'belt' will be created along the cutting "to ensure a stable and suitable woodland".
The application also admitted several confirmed bat roosts in the neighbouring trees "have been lost because of site clearance works".
Fences will also be erected for both security and to reduce the risk of badgers crossing the rail line.
"The fencing will also promote the movement of badgers towards the closest safe crossing points," HS2's application said.
"These are located at Crackley Wood Culvert, located at the eastern end of Roughknowles Wood Cutting and Broadwells Wood Culvert located further west.
"Both culverts include the provision of a mammal ledge to allow passage of badgers beneath the railway line."
The HS2 Act decrees the cutting will be created, with the council only able to comment on certain design elements.
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